Murdock Community and Care Services, Inc. Expanded Impact ReporT
Brandi LEWINFounder & CEO
Brandi Lewin, a leader with a heart for community, has been at the forefront of empowering vulnerable populations since 1999. With a background in real estate and experience in fostering and caring for youth, Brandi has also focused on individuals with developmental disabilities since 2010. Under her leadership, Murdock Community and Care Services, Inc. has grown into a beacon of hope and support for many families in Southern California. We are grateful for the countless volunteers who step up to create the possible! |
Key Accomplishments
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1. Dominguez Channel Odor Response |
In response to the Dominguez Channel odor crisis, which exposed residents to dangerous levels of hydrogen sulfide, Murdock Community stepped up as a frontline advocate. Our organization assisted in the evacuation of over 450 residents, distributed air purifiers, and helped residents file over 1,200 claim forms to protect their rights.
Evacuated Residents: 450+ Air Purifiers Provided: 100+ Claim Forms Submitted: 1,200+ (ensuring residents preserve their rights to damages) |
2. Quality Grocery Store Initiative |
Murdock Community is leading the charge to bring a quality grocery store to the City of Carson, focusing on health-conscious, organic food options. This ongoing initiative has rallied close to 1,000 supporters and engaged city officials in regular updates and discussions.
Supporters: Close to 1,000 Collaboration: Monthly/biweekly reports to the Carson City Council |
4. Annual Events for our Special Needs and Developmental Disabilities Community |
Spring Dance: Our annual Spring Dance is a joyful celebration for individuals with special needs and developmental disabilities. This event brings together families and caregivers for an evening of dancing, bingo, raffles, and more. It is a chance for caregivers to relax and enjoy themselves while their loved ones are having a great time. Chick-fil-A has been a proud sponsor of this event, and toy donations have helped make our raffles extra special.
Activities: Dancing, Bingo, Raffles Sponsor: Chick-fil-A Impact: Fun and bonding time for families, caregivers, and individuals with special needs. Summer Vibes Event: Our Summer Vibes event is another highlight, featuring inclusive activities like bounce houses, food, and face painting. It’s a day of joy and togetherness, offering opportunities for individuals with special needs and their families to participate in fun and inclusive activities. Activities: Bounce Houses, Food, Face Painting Impact: Inclusive fun and community-building for families and individuals with special needs. |
5. Scholarships for Youth and College Students |
Murdock Community is committed to education, offering scholarships not just to youth but also to college students. This year, we awarded five scholarships totaling nearly $10,000. We are working to expand our scholarship program, with a goal of awarding ten scholarships in the coming year, requiring us to raise $20,000. A $1,000 donation can make a significant impact on a student’s future.
Scholarships include: Havoline D. Scott Williams Scholarship: For registered nursing students Tony Senior Scholarship: For health and science majors Betty Hill Scholarship: Focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion Future Goal: Expand to include scholarships for differently-abled individuals 2023 Scholarships Awarded: 5 2024 Goal: 10 scholarships, totaling $20,000 |
6. Holiday Adoption Programs |
Murdock Community hosts an annual holiday adoption program for children of single-parent families, providing gifts and support during the holiday season. The program has expanded each year, and in 2023, we aim to adopt 100 families.
2022 Adoptions: 23 children 2023 Adoptions: 50 children 2024 Goal: 100 families Cost: $500 to adopt a family of two, $1,000 to adopt a family of four |
7. Programs of inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities |
Our commitment to serving individuals with special needs extends throughout the year, with programs in pickleball, arts and crafts, boxing, and dance. We currently serve over 100 families annually. With the finalization of our vendorization with the Westside Regional Center, we will be able to broaden our reach and provide even more recreational opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
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8. Love Bags Initiative |
Murdock Community has partnered with a generous young woman from Michigan to create and distribute "Love Bags" to homeless individuals. These bags contain essential items to provide comfort and support to those living in tiny home communities in Redondo Beach, Harbor City, and Torrance.
Total Bags Distributed: 5,000+ Partnerships: Tiny home communities in Redondo Beach, Harbor City, and Torrance |
Looking Ahead
Murdock Community and Care Services, Inc. is committed to expanding its impact and reaching even more individuals and families. As we finalize our vendorization with the Westside Regional Center, we will be positioned to offer expanded recreational opportunities and respite care to families and individuals with developmental disabilities.
Expansion Focus
Transportation and Respite Care: Our expansion will include transportation services to pick up participants, providing caregivers with valuable time to focus on themselves. This service will enable caregivers to rest, shop, or simply take a break while their loved ones engage in enriching activities.
Cost: $1,000 per month per child
Art Programs Expansion: We aim to provide art supplies for 25 students at $100 per student
Cost: $2,500 for startup kits
Cost: $1,000 per month per child
Art Programs Expansion: We aim to provide art supplies for 25 students at $100 per student
Cost: $2,500 for startup kits
Sponsorship Opportunities
Adopt-a-Family Program: $500 for a family of two or $1,000 for a family of four. Our goal is to adopt 100 families during the holiday season.
Scholarship Fundraising: We aim to raise $20,000 to expand our scholarship program and support ten students next year. A portion of these scholarships will go to differently-abled individuals, ensuring that our impact reaches every corner of the community.
With your continued support, we will reach even more families and individuals in need, expanding our reach and providing essential services and opportunities to those who need them most.
Thank you for helping us make a lasting impact. Together, we are building stronger communities and brighter futures.
Scholarship Fundraising: We aim to raise $20,000 to expand our scholarship program and support ten students next year. A portion of these scholarships will go to differently-abled individuals, ensuring that our impact reaches every corner of the community.
With your continued support, we will reach even more families and individuals in need, expanding our reach and providing essential services and opportunities to those who need them most.
Thank you for helping us make a lasting impact. Together, we are building stronger communities and brighter futures.